Warm weather boosts retail sales

RETAIL sales in June grew 1.4% on the same month last year as warmer weather persuaded shoppers to splash out on summer clothes and shoes.

The figures from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG showed total sales growth of 2.9%, which is just ahead of the year-to-date average of 2.8% and better than the 12-month-average of 2.4%.

In real terms, growth was 2.3% over the last six months against 1.5% over the last 12 months.

Helen Dickinson, director general of the BRC, said: “Despite challenging economic conditions continuing, June saw another strong performance from the UK’s retailers, with very respectable overall growth across the categories.

“One of the best performing areas was fashion. As the weather warmed up, we saw a good reaction to the excellent promotions that are available at the moment, accompanied by continuing demand for value and essential items.

“The weather also helped DIY and gardening products record a good month, and we saw some of the purchases that may have been postponed during the cold weather earlier in the year begin to take place.”